In a significant development from Abuja, the state chairmen of the Labour Party (LP) have thrown their unanimous support behind the National Chairman, Julius Abure, amidst swirling allegations of a N3.5 billion fraud. The controversy, which has gripped the political scene, was sparked by claims from Oluchi Oparah, the national treasurer, accusing Abure of diverting substantial party funds.
The allegations prompted LP’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to demand a forensic audit to delve into the financial discrepancies leveled against the party’s leadership. However, in a spirited defense, the LP state chairmen and secretaries, during a courtesy visit to the party’s Abuja headquarters on Tuesday, staunchly refuted the claims, asserting that no money had gone missing under Abure’s stewardship.
Ceekay Igara, the Chairman of the Council of State Chairmen of the Labour Party, in a press briefing, praised Abure for his transparent handling of party finances. Igara welcomed the idea of an independent audit, confident it would vindicate Abure while debunking the allegations laid out by the now-suspended Treasurer.
Addressing the media, Igara clarified, “Let me emphatically state here that our money is not missing. The allegations of a N3.5 billion generation are unfounded. Our party only realized N1.3 million during the 2023 general election and another Seven Hundred Million naira through donations, which were meticulously used by the Presidential Campaign Council. All transactions were properly banked and receipted, as the audit will reveal.”
Igara also countered Oparah’s claim that Abure had hindered her duties, stating that she had been actively involved in financial transactions, with records showing her signature alongside the National Chairman’s on numerous cheques. This, according to Igara, suggests her allegations might stem from external influences.
The Abia state chairman delved into the silence of Peter Obi on the matter, explaining that the LP leader had chosen to mediate privately, understanding the political motivations behind the sustained attacks on Abure. “Peter Obi recognizes the crucial role Abure played from his entry into the party through to the campaigns and is well aware that the allegations are baseless,” Igara noted, highlighting Obi’s confidence in Abure’s integrity and commitment to the party’s progress.
Igara further dispelled rumors of a potential suspension of Peter Obi from the party, describing such claims as the product of a fierce propaganda campaign aimed at destabilizing the party. “Our party is under siege, facing unprecedented attacks including propaganda. There’s never been any contemplation of suspending Peter Obi. He remains our leader, guiding the party towards our goal of national recovery,” Igara affirmed.
This show of solidarity from the LP state chairmen underscores the internal cohesion within the party’s ranks, despite attempts from outside forces to sow discord. As the Labour Party navigates these challenging waters, the leadership’s resolve remains firm, focusing on the future and the collective goal of steering Nigeria towards a brighter, more inclusive future.
